The waterfall crashes into the river, splashing up huge sprays of water.
Under the scorching air that gradually warmed up, the river even began to bubble, with wisps of steam rising into the air.
Mu Shi also began to breathe heavily, his face gradually turning red, and beads of sweat rolled down his cheeks.
Ye Qiubai looked at the two people emerging from the dense forest, his eyes narrowing slightly, and said, "It seems... your Supervisory Sacred Hall doesn't intend to properly wait until the election nine months later?"
Ai Xue patted Niu Zhong on the shoulder and sneered, "There's no rule saying we can't do that."
"Besides, I'm only here to test my disciples' current strength. The best way would be to spar with other participants in the election, but... well, swords have no eyes after all."
"Swords have no eyes," Ye Qiubai mocked. "So, it seems we have no choice but to fight?"
Ai Xue said seriously, "If you don't fight, Niu Zhong will."
Ye Qiubai glanced at Niu Zhong and frowned slightly.
The aura emanating from him was extraordinary.
This kind of aura is not a manifestation of honest cultivation and steady improvement of one's realm.
Rather, it was a state where the aura was even greater than Mu Shi's, yet extremely dispersed and not solid.
Before Ye Qiubai could fully understand, Mu Shi volunteered, "Master, let's fight."
Ye Qiubai looked at Mu Shi and said calmly, "Have you figured it out?"
Mu Shi nodded, his tone solemn, "Didn't Master say that sword cultivators must grow through actual combat?"
Upon hearing this...
Ye Qiubai smiled; he knew he hadn't misjudged him.
Although Mu Shi was slightly Niu Zhong in talent, he possessed a heart perfectly Sword Fusion cultivation.
For Sword Heart cultivators, the spirit of the sword is more important than talent in cultivation!
"Then go ahead, and remember what I taught you."
Mu Shi nodded, his expression extremely serious, "I won't let Master down!"
Having said that, he replaced the wooden sword in his hand with a jet-black longsword.
Dark Demon Sword.
This is the sword Ye Qiubai used in the Wilderness Realm; it's perfect for Mu Shi to use now.
Ai Xue raised an eyebrow and said, "In that case, shall we have a friendly spar?"
Ye Qiubai glanced indifferently at Ai Xue, then turned to look at the battlefield where Mu Shi and Niu Zhong were, saying, "Don't try to restrict my movements. Mu Shi doesn't need my help, and besides..."
At this point, Ye Qiubai raised the corner of his mouth and said with a smile, "Do you really think you can stop me from making a move?"
Ai Xue raised an eyebrow upon hearing this, and sneered, "Are all you sword cultivators this arrogant?"
Seeing that Ye Qiubai had no intention of paying attention to her anymore, Ai Xue snorted coldly and said nothing more.
Her purpose in coming here was simply to eliminate her competitors first!
now.
Niu Zhong produced an iron rod and grinned at Mu Shi, saying, " Mu Shi, I've become quite strong under my master's tutelage. Although I can't bear to kill you out of consideration for our shared village, I have no choice but to comply for the sake of my future."
Mu Shi looked at the iron rod in Niu Zhong's hand, which was covered with flame patterns, and said solemnly, "Brother Niu, so much has changed in just three months. My master told me that even if I embark on the path of cultivation in the future, I must not forget my original intention..."
"Original aspiration?" Niu Zhong laughed loudly, "My master also taught me that 'one general's success is built on the bones of ten thousand,' and the path of the strong is always accompanied by countless withered bones!"
That's all.
Holding a long staff, Niu Zhong took a step and charged towards Mu Shi!
During the charge, the long staff in his hand suddenly burst into flames!
The aura of the Peak Purple Mansion Realm surged forth at this moment!
Seeing this scene...
Ye Qiubai's expression changed. He turned to look at Ai Xue not far away, his expression grim, and said, "Are you so desperate for a test that you don't even care about their future?"
Peak Purple Mansion Realm... coupled with such a loose aura, it's obvious that he was forced to grow stronger with elixirs!
These kinds of pills can be easily made at Mu Wan'er's place.
However, for ordinary people who haven't yet developed a foundation in cultivation, this will only excessively deplete their life skills and potential!
In severe cases, it may be impossible to achieve a breakthrough in the future!
"Future? What do their future have to do with me?" Ai Xue said coldly and ruthlessly, "Besides, they are just ordinary people. Even if they can no longer cultivate in the future, their current level is already enough for them to benefit the local people or act like tyrants here. Moreover, they can add several decades to their lifespan. They should be grateful to me."
"But they could have gone much further!"
Ye Qiubai's face darkened considerably as he continued, "Furthermore, once people climb out of the well, glance at the scenery outside, and then fall back down, how can they bear it?"
Once you see the scenery outside, you will feel an overwhelming desire.
When this enormous desire cannot be fulfilled, or even the possibility of pursuing it is eliminated... then this person will not be able to bear the psychological gap.
Nobody knows what will happen then...
Hearing this, Ai Xue suddenly burst into laughter, looking at Ye Qiubai and saying, "You understand, their existence within this Fusheng Diagram has absolutely no impact on us! They're just tools for us to complete our trials! You want to be a saint, fine, but what business is it of yours to interfere in other people's affairs?"
Ai Xue is right.
One is willing to hit, and the other is willing to be hit.
Ye Qiubai could only fall silent with a sullen face.
In contrast, the battle between Mu Shi and Niu Zhong continues.
At this moment, Niu Zhong had already rushed in front of Mu Shi, and was about to strike Mu Shi heavily with a long stick that was covered in raging flames!
Before the long stick even hit his body, Mu Shi's clothes began to burn.
I don't have time to deal with it.
The Dark Demon Sword in Mu Shi's hand was already wrapped in Sword Intent!
Although overwhelmed by the immense difference in their cultivation levels, Mu Shi gritted his teeth and swung his Dark Demon Sword!
" The Nine Swords of the Heavenly Demon, the First Sword!"
With a soft shout, the Dark Demon Sword and the long staff collided violently!
With a loud bang!
The flames spread, Sword Intent swirled slightly, incinerating or severing the surrounding grass roots!
However, Mu Shi didn't last long before he was sent flying by Niu Zhong's blow.
It traces a perfect parabola in the air before crashing into the water, splashing up sprays of water!
Looking at the steaming river, Niu Zhong laughed loudly, "Well Mu Shi, you chose the wrong master back then. Do you see the difference now?"
"It just goes to show that your master isn't very skilled!"
Upon hearing these words...
Ye Qiubai, however, showed no expression whatsoever.
If you can't even tolerate verbal insults from a junior, what kind of sword cultivator are you?
Thump!
Mu Shi jumped out of the water and landed on the ground, glaring angrily at Niu Zhong, saying, "Take back what you said!"
"What? You're still not convinced? Aren't the facts already laid bare?"
At this point, Niu Zhong suddenly paused for a moment, his expression slightly blank.
Suddenly, the Sword Intent emanating from Mu Shi began to slowly swirl!
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PS: One more chapter is being written.